'Disturbing' Graffiti Found At 2 Yorktown Parks

See Update: 15-Year-Old Arrested For The 'Disturbing' Graffiti At Parks: Police

YORKTOWN, NY — The Yorktown Police Department says that it has opened an investigation after receiving reports from residents about disturbing graffiti found on Sunday at two town locations: the Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Track & Field and the Patriot Skate Park behind Town Hall.

Officials say the graffiti included antisemitic, racist and homophobic words at the skate park, and profane images and words at the track.

"The vile hate speech discovered in our town is utterly unacceptable and stands in direct opposition to everything Yorktown represents," Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman said. "We are a community that cherishes all diversity, a sentiment clearly demonstrated through events like our recent Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony and our annual Pride Festival. This incident serves as a stark reminder that our work to foster understanding and respect is far from over. These hateful acts will not be tolerated in Yorktown. We must continue to actively practice understanding and reject these divisive acts."

Police say they are actively working to identify those responsible for the graffiti.

"A major component of our investigation is asking the public to help us, help you," Yorktown Police Department Chief of Police Robert Noble said. "All of us at the Yorktown Police Department are eager to apprehend those behind the vile, ignorant and hateful graffiti at the skate park, as well as the profane graffiti made at the track."

Anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity, or has any information regarding the graffiti, is urged to contact Yorktown police at 914-962-4141 or send an email to this address.